Choosing a new bank/account

northwalesd

I wouldn't touch HSBC with ten barge poles, let alone one. Hopeless, hopeless and hapless.

Emmia

I like my Barclays app, but I note you've ruled them out - otherwise I've had no issues with HSBC.

I'd not put all my eggs in one basket, have a credit card at least with a different provider / group.

Kewsea

Thanks for the replies so far, some useful insights.

Just for clarity on my initial statement.  When I said I want all my affairs in one place I meant as far as my MAIN bank was concerned.  I always have, and would continue to have, spare and funded current accounts and credit card providers from unrelated institutions as a backup so no worries about risk on that score.  My questions are more around who I should use as my main day-to-day bank for bills/spending/credit card etc as that's the element I would like to have a one stop shop with.  Realise that may not suit everyone but that's what I am after.

As I suspected very mixed views on all of the main suspects  .  

Rob5342

What benefit do you see in having it all in one place? With the NatWest app I can add my Capital One card and see it alongside my current account, so it's little different to having a NatWest credit card (maybe the first time I make a payment to the card I'd have to set up a new payee instead of the option already being there, but after that it would be no different). Also if you need to phone them for some reason it's often a different number for the credit card department than it is for the current account department.

Olinda99

I like Nationwide. Their app is good and they have lots of products They also of course have high Street branches. 

Rob5342

Olinda99 said:

I like Nationwide. Their app is good and they have lots of products They also of course have high Street branches. 

Their app is terrible, there are no transaction notifications, and to add new payees you have to use their ridiculous card reader. Branches are a niche requirement these days, with most banks you can pay in cash at the post office, and cheques in the app or by post.

Stargunner

Rob5342 said:

What benefit do you see in having it all in one place? With the NatWest app I can add my Capital One card and see it alongside my current account, so it's little different to having a NatWest credit card (maybe the first time I make a payment to the card I'd have to set up a new payee instead of the option already being there, but after that it would be no different). Also if you need to phone them for some reason it's often a different number for the credit card department than it is for the current account department.

You will always get mixed reviews, whether it be banks, cars, hotels, restaurants etc. Just look at the 2 previous replies regarding Nationwide. I currentky have 10 bank accounts that I have acquired due to all the recent switching offers and I use them all for various reasons, like linked savings accounts and rewards. I dont have problems with any of the apps and i don’t care about their customer service, as I think that I have only ever needed to speak to 2 of them on the phone. I dont know why you need to contact them so regularly. I had a recent issue with a delay on an ISA transfer to NatWest and due to their inefficiency they paid me £150 in compensation, so having poor customer service can sometimes be a benefit.

Kim_13

Kewsea said:

Thanks for the replies so far, some useful insights.

Just for clarity on my initial statement.  When I said I want all my affairs in one place I meant as far as my MAIN bank was concerned.  I always have, and would continue to have, spare and funded current accounts and credit card providers from unrelated institutions as a backup so no worries about risk on that score.  My questions are more around who I should use as my main day-to-day bank for bills/spending/credit card etc as that's the element I would like to have a one stop shop with.  Realise that may not suit everyone but that's what I am after.

As I suspected very mixed views on all of the main suspects  .  

In that case Santander would be the logical first place to look - their Edge account gives cashback on DD’s and debit card spending. There’ll be a calculator on their website so you can work out how much your spending is likely to qualify for and whether it’s worth going for. There’s also the linked Edge Saver account paying 7% on up to £4,000 currently.

None of the other banks offer both cashback on DDs and on debit card spending.

easyasonetwothree

IMO

Nationwide still uses a card reader for online transactions, which is very frustrating. Their app seems basic but I don't use it for much.

Santander app is lacking in features and sometimes crashes on me. The Boosts reward program takes more effort than it's often worth.

Halifax/Lloyds app is great, full of useful features and I find it very straight forward. The rewards is based on your debit/credit spend so quite easy. 

NatWest has a good app too with good features. I've used their online chat and they can take a while to respond but otherwise helpful.

I use finger prints for all and only ever have issues with a slow Santander. Remember there's open banking so you can see your other accounts in one app if you're just wanting to see balances.

Bigwheels1111

I’ve been with First Direct for best part of 25 years.
In my opinion the best bank ever.
I have starling, Halifax, TSB, Metro and a few more.
For regular savers.
I have had issues with all banks over the years, FD issues are solved with one call most of the time.
Plus they give me money to end my complaint.
They held 3 transfers to new savings products from Friday to Monday.
Cost me £135 at 5% for 4 day, the compensated me and an extra £50 good will gesture.